No.1 goal: Tedesco chasing perfect end to dream season

Three years after his last Test match for Australia, premiership-winning Roosters skipper James Tedesco is back at the back for the Kangaroos and brimming with pride as he prepares to lead his men into battle against the Bati.

After a career-defining season that included Origin success with the Blues and a third grand final victory, 33-year-old Tedesco takes the reins from Isaah Yeo, who is taking a well-earned rest.

"Captaining your country is the highest honour, and I had the pleasure of doing that at the last World Cup, so getting another shot in the Australian jersey is very special to me," Tedesco said.

"It’s been a great year for me personally. I think the highest honour was captaining our team to a grand final win. That’s what I’ve dreamed about for the last couple of years.

"Now it gets even better, wearing these colours and putting on the Australian jersey again. That’s all you dream about as a kid, representing your country. I know my family are so proud." 

From his miracle match-winner in Origin I for the Blues to his commanding performance in the grand final, the Roosters supremo reminded everyone of his greatness in 2026... if anyone needed reminding.

For his part, Blues and Kangaroos teammate Cameron Murray won't hear talk of Tedesco 'turning back the clock'.

"I wouldn't call it returning to form. I think he's always been in good form," Murray said.

"He's always been up there among the best since he's been playing.

"It's been great to see him earn an Origin jersey and an international jersey again this year after some of the performances he's put out there.

"The way he plays is inspiring as a teammate and makes you not want to let him down, he makes you want to do your role as best you can. He's a great teammate to have.

"He's been a leader in the game for a long time now. He's a big voice, and he leads through his actions. He sets a pretty high standard through what he does on the field." 

Coupled with a World Cup call-up, the Kangaroos captaincy serves as the icing on the cake of an already extraordinary year for Tedesco.

After an extended break following his finals campaign, Tedesco watched from the sidelines as Reece Walsh dazzled the Kiwis with some magical plays in the Kangaroos' tournament opener.

"I had a front-row seat in the box and could see everything from up there. He hadn’t played for eight weeks after his injury, but he turned up in big moments and nailed them," said Tedesco. 

"He was great all week, asking me for advice. When the decision was made that he was going to play, I said, ' Whatever you need, I’m going to help you'.

"Defensively and in attack, he can do things better than me, so I don’t want to give him too much advice, but just communication defensively, anything I can pass on.

"I enjoy that role, being a mentor and someone for him to lean on." 

Despite increasing speculation around Australia's fullback pecking order, Tedesco is adamant there is no rivalry between the pair, with both players committed to supporting one another and putting the team's success first.  

"It’s not a competition. It’s my opportunity this weekend, and all I can do is make the most of it," he said.

"Walshy does things that I can’t do on the footy field, so for me it’s about knowing my game, going out and doing it."

With Fiji certain to come out fast and physical, Tedesco will be tasked with keeping his men focused on completing their sets and laying a platform for what they hope will be an eighth World Cup success over the Bati.

"We are still building up our campaign. I know we got the win last week, but there are lots of improvements to make in our game," said Tedesco.

"I just want to be the best I can be in this jersey."

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Don't miss your chance to watch the Kangaroos live at Suncorp Stadium. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.